Military Report - Week of March 31, 2014

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Military Report - Week of March 31, 2014

VA for Vets Continues Hiring Efforts
As of February 2014, the Department of Veterans Affairs employs more than 110,000 veterans. VA continues to rank second only to the Department of Defense in the number of Veterans in the workplace. The Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO) within the Office of Human Resources and Administration leads VA's efforts to recruit, retain and reintegrate veterans into VA through its VA for Vets program. For additional information on the VA for Vets program, visit the (http://vaforvets.va.gov) VA for Vets website.


Navy to Halt On-Base Tobacco Sales
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus may soon announce that Navy and Marine Corps base exchanges, including ship stores, will end tobacco sales by September. Proponents say it would end the hypocrisy of selling tobacco conveniently and at deep discounts while encouraging service members and families to stay healthy and fit. However, many are concerned that the end of tobacco sales could impact the exchange system as they have relied heavily on sale of tobacco products for profits. Most commissaries also sell cigarettes but on consignment from the exchanges. In fiscal 2012, tobacco sales in military stores totaled $711.4 million, generating profits of $125.7 million.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... cco-sales/) Learn more about the proposed end to on-base tobacco sales.


Retirement Age Reduced for USMC Officers
The minimum years of commissioned service required for selected officers to retire has been temporarily reduced from 10 to eight years. This change mainly affects prior-enlisted officers who with prior service and active commissioned service will satisfy their minimum payback towards 20 or more active duty years needed for retirement. This temporary change does not exempt Marines from having to complete reserve or ready reserve contracts. Years of service as a commissioned officer are computed by adding all active service in the armed forces under permanent or temporary appointments in all ranks above warrant officer. Some Marines are exempt from the program.
For more Marine Corps news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Proposed AAFES and DeCA Merger
According to this week's Military Update, the plan to cope with DoD budget cuts includes slashing taxpayer support of commissaries, from $1.4 billion a year down to $400 million by fiscal 2017. In an effort to save commissaries and protect exchanges, the chief executive officer of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), has proposed to merge commissary operations with exchanges and use resulting efficiencies to stabilize grocery prices and keep patrons.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... re-crisis/) Read this week's Military Update to learn more about the details of the proposed merger.


Navy Updates Armed Service Recipes
The Navy Nutrition Program recently created 50 new recipes and replace some of the decades old Armed Forces Recipe Service Cards. This effort directly aligns with this year's National Nutrition Month(R) theme of, "Enjoy the taste of eating right," as the new recipe cards will offer healthier menu items that fit the "green" criteria in the Go For Green(R) program. Food service managers are charged with implementing the program throughout the Department of Defense. Visit (http://hprc-online.org/nutrition/go-for-green) Go For Green for more information on the program and find out what types of food fit the green, yellow, and red categories. Find additional healthy eating information on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... ault2.aspx) Navy Nutrition Program website, and seek out a registered dietitian to help you find ways to enjoy the taste of eating right.


Equipment Guides: Weapons, Vehicles, and More
Find past and present aircraft, weapons, electronics, and more with the (http://www.military.com/equipment/?ESRC=mrvr0331.nl) Military.com Equipment Guide.


TRICARE and Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body does not properly process sugar (glucose) for use as energy. TRICARE covers screenings for Type 2 diabetes, as well as diabetic supplies, equipment, medications and additional diabetic services if ordered by a physician. A doctor or primary care manager can conduct screenings, answer any questions, explain what a diagnosis means and provide details about treatment. To learn more about TRICARE's diabetic coverage, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/coveredservices) www.tricare.mil/coveredservices. Beneficiaries can find the test and more information about diabetes at the American Diabetes Association website at (http://www.diabetes.org/) www.diabetes.org.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Sponsored Discount: Save an Extra 10% on Select PCs and Tablets
Because Dell appreciates everything you do for us, it would like to invite you to take advantage of exclusive military discounts on Dell PCs featuring 4th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) processors, electronics and so much more. (http://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/12309 ... 551-0?mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]) Whether you're at home or abroad, Soldiers save big with Dell.


Fighting for an All-Volunteer Force
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Personnel Subcommittee on Wednesday, March 26 in support of the key personnel components of the All-Volunteer Force.
(http://www.moaa.org/MRAllVolunteer/) Click here to read the rest of this article.


Airmen Must Revalidate Dependents
By Dec. 31, every Airman will be required to provide their servicing finance office with documentation for all dependents. This one-time, Air Force-wide recertification process will allow the Air Force to validate Airmen's basic allowance for housing entitlements. Beginning this month and continuing through December, Air Force finance offices will contact Airmen across the total force by email to notify them of their responsibility to provide dependent documentation. Their finance office will tell them exactly which documents are required. Also, Airmen who recently provided documentation may not be required to do so again. Airmen should wait to be notified by their finance offices rather than bringing in documentation unsolicited.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Mechanically Inclined? Become a Technician, Veterans FREE
Vet2Tech provides qualified veterans scholarships for approved technical job training programs that (http://vet2tech.org/?ESRC=mrvr0331.nl) guarantee a job interview upon successful completion.


Navy Continues 100% TA Coverage
The U.S. Navy's Tuition Assistance (TA) program will continue to pay 100 percent of Sailors' tuition and enrollment fees in fiscal year 15 (FY15). This decision modifies a proposal for FY15. The current tuition assistance policy pays up front the tuition and fees for course enrollments. There is an FY credit limit of 16 Semester Hours, 24 Quarter Hours, or 240 clock hours per individual per fiscal year. If you are considering taking courses, now is the best time to submit your TA application. For more information, visit the (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/ta_info.aspx) Navy College Program website.
For more on tuition assistance and military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Finding a Vet Job: Establish Your Identity
In this week's Military Benefits Podcast, we go over some key tips about establishing your identity and finding civilian job satisfaction with jobs expert Lida Citro? who is donating her time, expertise and effort to help returning war veterans learn how to compete in a civilian career. She is also the writer of Your Next Mission: A personal branding guide for military-to-civilian transition. (http://podcasts.military.com/2014/03/th ... -tips.html) For more, listen to the podcast.


Air Force MiCare
The Air Force has recently completed implementation of its secure healthcare-messaging system, MiCare, to all 76 of its medical treatment facilities worldwide. As of March 1, more than 360,000 Air Force healthcare beneficiaries and 2,300 providers have signed up for this service, which allows the patient and provider to communicate on a secure network regarding non-urgent healthcare concerns. The MiCare network allows beneficiaries to view their healthcare record, make appointments, fill prescriptions and allows providers to push important preventative care updates to the members. Overall, those using MiCare can expect a decrease in trips to the MTF and more personal communication with their healthcare team. For more information about MiCare. visit the Air Force Medical Service website at (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... mil/MiCare) www.afms.af.mil/MiCare or ask your healthcare team during your next visit.
For more on military health benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AAFES to Feature Disney and Star Wars
A cast of Disney, Marvel and Star Wars brands has joined forces with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to bring special, dedicated sections to select Exchanges. These standalone sections, called " (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/13 ... 5/sizes/l/) Disney at the Exchange," showcase merchandise from Disney Consumer Products. By this summer, military shoppers at 15 installations, from California to Japan, will find a wide selection of their favorite characters at the Exchange. Overseas locations are scheduled to open their Disney at the Exchange store sections in May.
For more discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Use Your VA Loan this Spring: $0 Down
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0331.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
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AF SMSGT Promotion List
More than 900 Air Force master sergeants have been selected for promotion to senior master sergeant. To see the selectee list, visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers at (https://mypers.af.mil/) https://mypers.af.mil and search for the active duty enlisted promotions home page, or visit the (https://www.my.af.mil) Air Force Portal. To access test and board scores, visit the virtual MPF via the secure applications page. For information about promotion and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at (https://mypers.af.mil/) https://mypers.af.mil.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Air Force Promotion Changes
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody spoke of upcoming promotion changes, the developmental special duty selection process and misuse of social media during his third worldwide CHIEFchat. CHIEFchat is designed to give Airmen worldwide a direct connection to the chief master sergeant of the Air Force via video message, social media outlets and from members of the studio audience. For further information, visit (http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/AirForceSenio ... CMSAF.aspx) this page or view CHIEFchat on (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY9L0DG ... 9iZo6yJIcA) YouTube. Airmen can join the conversation with the chief master sergeant of the Air Force by following him on (https://www.facebook.com/cmsafcody) Facebook.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


$100,000 ASMBA Coverage From Only $7 a Month
Protection for less. Get $100,000 in coverage from only $7 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba ... rvr0331.nl) Can your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?


AF Civilian Employee Education
Eligible active duty officers and Department of the Air Force appropriated fund civilian employees can apply now for intermediate and senior developmental education opportunities. Officer nominations with commander endorsements are due to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) by April 22. Civilian applications are due to AFPC by May 1. Requirements and eligibility vary depending on the program, and submission requirements differ for officers and civilians, so applicants should carefully review the program guide on the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website before preparing application documents. Nomination packages are prepared and submitted through the myPers website. Full eligibility criteria and application requirements for officers are available on the myPers website. Enter "Developmental Education" or "IDE/SDE/CDE" in the search window and select the Personnel Services Delivery Memo 14-19. For more information and application instructions for civilian developmental education, including CSLP, visit myPers and scroll down to the force development link.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


AF Examines Sequestration
The Air Force's highest ranking uniformed Airman recently released another edition of 'Airman to Airman' -- a video series designed to highlight important topics to the force. In his latest message, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III discusses the impact sequestration has on the Air Force and why certain choices are being made to achieve the required savings. The Airman to Airman video is available on the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... oices.aspx) U.S. Air Force website. For more videos in the series, visit the (http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/AirForceSenio ... /CSAF.aspx) Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF's) webpage.


Navy Career Planning
Sailors need to take charge of their own careers, educate themselves, and understand that detailers are their advocates, Navy officials said recently. Make yourself smart and knowledgeable on the latest NAVADMINS and any changes or updates to the MILPERSMAN. Sailors communicate their desires to detailers through the Career Management System - Interactive Detailing (CMS-ID). CMS-ID is a web-based tool that enables enlisted Sailors to research and apply for jobs and communicate their career goals to career counselors and detailers. Sailors can log into (https://www.cmsid.navy.mil/) CMS-ID. Sailors may log into CMS-ID any time after the detailer selection phase to see if they have been selected for orders. For more information, visit the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil and (http://www.navy.mil/local/npc/) www.navy.mil/local/npc/.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Houston Methodist Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Houston Methodist. As a business solutions leader they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... =mr0331.nl) Read More.


Navy Casualty Assistance Calls
U.S. Navy casualty assistance calls and funeral honors support coordination is governed by (http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/010 ... 770.1A.PDF) OPNAV Instruction 1770.1A, which outlines the responsibilities for commands participating in the program. Commanders at all levels must support paying a final tribute to comrades-in-arms, and must respond expeditiously to requests for military funeral support. Instructions also dictate that a funeral honors detail shall, at a minimum, perform at the funeral a ceremony that includes folding the United States flag, a presentation of the flag to the veteran's family and the playing of Taps. For more information on how Navy commands can learn about participating in military honors ceremonies, they are encouraged to contact their Regional Casualty Funeral Honors Program by consulting (http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/01000 Military Personnel Support/01-700 Morale, Community and Religious Services/1770.1A.PDF) OPNAV Instruction 1770.1A.
For more on memorial and death benefits, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) this Military.com section.


Navy Yard Shooting Report Released
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has released the Department of the Navy's investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic events of Sept. 16, 2013, at the Washington Navy Yard. The investigation team, led by Adm. John Richardson, focused on the prior military and employment history of the shooter, Aaron Alexis; the events of Sept. 16; and post-incident response. The team also assessed how well the Department of the Navy implemented programs and policies designed to safeguard people and protect mission capabilities. The investigation findings and recommendations and related information are available in the Hot Topics section of the (https://www.foia.navy.mil/foia/webbas02 ... endocument) Department of the Navy Freedom of Information Act Office (FOIA) website.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Planning PCS Moves
With warmer weather comes peak moving season. So when orders are in hand, people should plan ahead to ensure the most hassle-free relocation. Those with a permanent-change-of-station move on the horizon to propose multiple windows or dates for moving consideration. By using the online (http://www.move.mil/common/dps_login_re ... ration.cfm) Defense Personal Property System, Department of Defense (DoD) personnel and their families can self-counsel and submit their applications online, track their shipments, file a claim and settle directly with the moving company to get full replacement value of lost and damaged goods, as opposed to depreciated value offered in the past. For more information on the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... steps.html) Military.com website.